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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Taiwan's Sun Moon Lake Named 2026 Tour de France Cycling City, Only Asian Recipient

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Taiwan's Sun Moon Lake has been certified as a 2026 Tour de France Cycling City, becoming the only Asian city to receive this international recognition.
  • The certification highlights Sun Moon Lake's transformation into an international cycling destination, supported by systematic infrastructure development.
  • This achievement follows two years of hosting Tour de France stages, attracting international cyclists and solidifying its status as a world-class cycling venue.

Taiwan's Sun Moon Lake has earned international acclaim, officially recognized as a 2026 Tour de France Cycling City. This prestigious certification marks Sun Moon Lake as the sole Asian city to receive this honor for the upcoming year, placing it among global cycling hubs like Lyon, Barcelona, and Lausanne.

low-carbon cycling tourism destination

— Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)This is the criteria for the 'Tour de France Cycling City' certification.

The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration highlighted the significance of this award, noting that the lake has hosted Tour de France stages in 2024 and 2025. These events drew professional cyclists from approximately 30 countries, including top sprinter Jasper Philipsen.

The "Tour de France Cycling City" certification, initiated by the race organizer Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) in 2021, aims to identify "low-carbon cycling tourism destinations." This year, 25 cities worldwide received the certification, with only six located outside France. Sun Moon Lake's designation, achieved as an "out-of-route" city, underscores its development beyond just a scenic spot into a premier cycling destination.

route outside the route

— Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area AdministrationThis describes how Sun Moon Lake achieved the certification, not being on the main Tour de France route but meeting its standards.

The administration emphasized that Sun Moon Lake has systematically enhanced its cycling infrastructure and services, aligning with Taiwan's national cycling route plan. This strategic development has facilitated its transition from a renowned scenic area to an international cycling mecca, now recognized for meeting "Tour de France route-level" standards.

international cycling holy land

— Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area AdministrationThis describes the transformation of Sun Moon Lake from a scenic spot to a cycling destination.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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